Is Constipation After C Section Normal? PLUS 6 Remedies to Try

Pregnancy brings all kinds of unexpected – sometimes unwelcome – surprises. You probably expected all of those fun little surprises to come to an end after your C-section. But now that your pregnancy is over, your body is embarking on a whole new adventure: adjusting to life as a new mom.

The latest “surprise” to complicate your life? Constipation. Right about now you’re probably feeling pretty envious of your newborn’s ability to poop six or more times a day.

It’s important to remember that a C-Section is a serious procedure, and your body is still recovering from both the delivery and the procedure itself. It can take three or four days for the bowels to function normally again.

While it’s perfectly normal to have a dry spell that lasts three or four days, it’s not normal for your constipation to last several days. If it’s been a particularly long dry spell, it may be time to call the doctor.

What Causes Constipation After a Cesarean Birth?

Constipation is normal after birth. During a vaginal birth, women may go long periods of time without food, or they may have a bowel movement during labor. These women may become constipated simply because there’s nothing to move in the intestines.

But constipation can be caused by a variety of other things, including:

If you’re breastfeeding, your doctor probably instructed you to continue taking your prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins are notorious for causing constipation, but that doesn’t mean you should stop taking one. Ask your doctor about switching to a less constipating formula, so you can get back to life as normal.

Postpartum Medication

If your doctor prescribed you postpartum medication for pain, that may be the culprit causing your backup. Continue taking the medication for as long as prescribed. Once you stop taking the medication, your bowel movements should return to normal in a couple of days.

If your doctor prescribed co-codamol, that may be what’s causing your blockage. Constipation is a side effect of this medication. Speak with your doctor to discuss an alternative option.

Mind Games

Yes, your constipation may really be all in your head – but not in the way you’re thinking. If you have stitches from your C-section (you almost certainly do) or if you have hemorrhoids (also common with pregnancy), you may be subconsciously (and understandably) worried about pushing.

That fear of going to the bathroom can create a viscious cycle of constipation.

If it hurts to go (or to try going), your body may naturally hold back just to avoid the pain.

Do your best to relax, and remember that a bowel movement won’t tear your vaginal stitches.

Giving birth via Cesarean section can be just as exhausting and hard on the body as vaginal birth. And due to the nature of the procedure, your doctor may have asked you to rest in bed for a little longer than usual. That lack of mobility may be the problem.

If you’re not moving, your digestive system will find it harder to get things moving (literally).

We’re not suggesting that you go on a three-mile run after a C-section, but ask your doctor when you can get up and start walking around again. A short walk may be all that you need to get things going.

Dehydration and Poor Diet

Keep tabs on your eating and drinking habits. Are you eating enough? Are you eating foods that may be making your constipation worse? Are you drinking enough water?

5. Over the Counter Relief

6. Hemorrhoid Cream

Sometimes the pain of hemorrhoids – or the fear of pain – can be the root cause of constipation (it’s easy to see why). But there are over the counter hemorrhoid creams that can help alleviate the pain and the root cause of the problem.

Hemorrhoids are nothing to be embarrassed about, and are perfectly common among pregnant women and new moms.

Remember: constipation is perfectly normal after a C-section. Give your body a few days to get back up and running. If things aren’t moving smoothly by then, call your doctor. In the meantime, these six remedies can help alleviate your discomfort.